Is part of the problem not that riders don’t go on and get additional training but that the CBT training is too basic? Also, it would be interesting if the government statistics compared none enhanced trained riders against enhanced trained riders.
@spudgunson theres truth it this, but unfortunately despite the good intentions of the cbt, its difficult to achieve more. Several reasons, but there is no appetite and indeed opposition by biking groups to making cbt more involved. A yearly renewal and 2 day course was proposed a while ago which caused biking action groups to be rather upset. 1/ Too time consuming and too expensive, biking is supposed to be a cheap form of transport... ?! 2/ CBT covers a lot of subjects, but is designed for someone who has never ridden before. But riders of varying experience and ability have to follow the same syllabus. Riders are mixed on cbt so difficult to give more to experienced vs brand new. A rider has to start somewhere, and in its purest form its not bad as a starting point. But some instructors are more thorough than others and there is so much to get through its questionable how much knowledge and ability a rider retains after the course. 3/ CBT was designed to allow practice before taking test, but is used by some repeatedly to keep riding and not take test. So as usual, we are prioritising time and cost over safety and ability. Its up to individuals who decide to seek more training and those that are happy with the minimum. Then there are those riders who dont know that theres more available and that what they might have been given is sub standard. Minefield! All the best.
April of this year saw a return of motorcycing for me, after an 18 year break. I purchased an r ninet Urban GS, which proved to be a very sensible purchase, and two months ago, progressed to a 2010 r1200rt, which I use to commute on, and also pleasure use with my wife. Before doing any of this, I began watching your YT channel, and the knowledge that I have gained from it, has been quite phenomenal. I don't think that I take a single ride without using the knowledge and experience that you freely give. I know with 100 percent certainty, that I am a far more proficient, confident, and safer rider because of having watched and put into practice, what you have taught and shown.
@eddiejefferies3659 good work Eddie! Using a BMW to pleasure your wife, presumably within the private confines of a garage is good to keep a marriage vital 😀 Mine is far more turned on by Ducatis but that's another story
I tend to agree with all you’ve said. As an ADV instructor, the three or four top areas for developing riders, new or old, include bends, the need to lift vision more, carrying too much speed into hazards and complacency/human factors. Part of the need to lift vision is to spot opportunities early, make a plan and improve reaction time. Good observation is the cornerstone to the whole system of riding.
Thanks for an excellent video as always. I’m of the firm opinion that, with the possible exception of being shunted from behind, if I have an accident, it’s my fault. It really doesn’t matter if the other driver breaks the law or drives badly, I have to anticipate their actions and plan how to deal with the worst situation. Trying hard not to become a statistic 😀
"Two to tangle" is a phrase used by Kevin Williams....... Others may set up collisions but we can often reduce (or mitigate against) , collision risks. If our speed is at significant variance with other traffic then we arguably increase risk of catching some by surprise. Thanks 👍🏍
I'd only been riding for a few years when I got knocked of my motorbike by the car I was overtaking, when they went to overtake the car in front of them, we were in a queue of traffic just coming out of a 30mph limit onto a wide straight stretch of road. I got away without any major injuries, but a written off bike, car driver very apologetic, admitted fault straight away, so no games with the insurance, friends, family and work colleagues all said nothing I could have done, wasn't my fault, just bad luck and I thought the same. That is until one of our customers came into the warehouse, he was a part-time motorcycle instructor and knowing I'd had a bike crash asked me what happened, I said I wasn't blame, but he said that's not the point, what could I have done to avoid the situation? And with some explanation from him I realised, yes I could have done a few things, I could have anticipated the car was going to pull out, all the clues were there, I could have got in a better position, to give me a bit of space, by the time he hit me I'd nearly braked hard enough to be out of the way, if I'd been a few feet over to the right I'd probably been out of the way as he pulled out and I could have used the horn. That conversation was 40 years ago, it changed my outlook on riding motorbikes and driving, that merely being in the "right" isn't much good if you lying in hospital or worse.
When changing lanes or overtaking I always think to myself if I want to overtake or change lanes other road users will probably want to too and ride accordingly.
I would be interested in knowing if the statistics show whether the motor cyclists involved in the accidents were riding as individuals or in company, two or more, or a group even. I would bet a fair few of the overtake accidents were of group or 'Ride Out' origin. People trying to either catch up or keep up and getting more reckless in the process. Most of us who ride regularly as individuals have had a group of bikes go past us on the road, with the tail enders thrashing it to stay with the group. Common sight here on Welsh country roads, especially at weekends.
It doesn’t seem to be on the ‘contributory factor’ list so I’m guessing it’s not considered ‘sufficiently’ contributory. Your interest, and point of course, is valid. I’ve not ridden with a group since my RAC ACU days (precursor to the CBT, I think). I may have ridden with a pal, once or twice, but I’m not overly fond of it. Saying that, I badgered my younger brother (57) to blow some of our Mums inheritance on a bike so we could take a road trip down through France / Spain! I wonder what THEIR stats are like!🤔😉✌️
As someone who has never ridden a bike, and at the age of 60 am taking my DAS in November, I really appreciate the thoughtfulness, analysis and introspection you bring to your videos. It has certainly helped change my perception of the risks/challenges ahead of me.
I passed my DAS last year 16 days before my 60th. These videos helped me tremendously, I have since done safer rider with Norfolk police, hugger rider with Norfolk County Council, and some of the best training was with i2i motorcycle academy was recommended after I did my hugger course, so look them up or you tube i2i Tom is great and explained in great detail then you get to do it, just did my mc1& mc2, good luck with DAS enjoy.
This afternoon I was driving the car and had a car pull out on me of a side road on the left to turn right - forcing a full emergency stop and missed them by literal inches (they even cut their turn, continuing to drive closer to me). Gormless look dead in my eye as they did it. I honestly believe it was solely because I'm a defensive biker that I had noticed they did not look in either direction before emerging - their approach to the T-junction was not excessively fast, they just didn't look or give any sign of preparing to give way - and so I started braking early. It was the closest I've been to an accident in 30+ years on the road. However, I can imagine on a bike I could have done nothing, same if it had been wet, or dark etc. There are some incidents you just cannot avoid.
Wise words, particularly regarding junctions and overtakes. I see so many videos on RUclips where bikers overtake where there are junctions, driveways, etc, on the offside.
As usual sir, well presented & thought provoking vlog. Every vlog I watch I try to practice and I try to get one outstanding comment, from this vlog… ‘Never put your bike where your eyes have not been’. Should be the very first comment for every rider, new or old, before straddling a bike, whether for the first or one millionth time. It is also a magnificent comment for a t-shirt. Thank you, your vlogs inspire me to be a better rider
Education is KEY. The CBT, A2 nor DAS, as you allude to offer Advanced techniques or methods. As a father of an 18yr old soon to turn 19 who's been riding from 16 3/4, I'm terrified for them, I share your content with them of course. They have conducted the CBT twice, as it only lasts 2-years. I try to imbue Advanced rideing methods, but using such on a CBT or A2, A, DAS would lead to a fail. It seems to me again as you talk about, that there is a disconnect and a reformation of the training content and access to an A from CBT etc. is required. Better trained and educated riders and drivers, would greatly reduce incidents and make the roads a more pleasant and safer place to be. I think most folks though don't have a growth, wanting to learn and improve mindset, present company excepted. Thank you VERY much for your thoughts and content.
Great videos, as a rider of 12 years, I’m finding these videos really enlightening and informative. I’m not a fast rider, just prefer to ride within my limits and try to anticipate any obstacles. Never going to be a brilliant or fast rider- but prefer to just tootle along.
Another great vid. I was going out around 4 today and the sun was low so i decided give it a miss. On the way to work on Thursday on my bike at 5am, another bike came up and must have been doing 60, that was at a junction and in the wet. I couldn't help but think he wont last long if he keeps that up. From the second i jump on the bike I'm tuned into potential hazards and idiots, that's the only way i ride. Will only open the throttle on roads i know well where i know there is little chance of anyone pulling out. Call me boring but that's how it is.
Tbh, that’s prob where you are more at risk. Familiar ‘quiet’ roads. Sure there was something (years ago) that said you are more likely to have an accident within five miles of your house. Don’t remember much (don’t ask me what I had for tea earlier tonight lol) but that’s always stuck in me head.
Again another insightful video.... motorcycling is a skilful art not just twist and go. Complete assesment and the correct application is a skill.... You never stop learning
I am doing ROSPA training, in part to watching your videos. I agree 100% that training and education is the way forward. The DAS course is often very quick for lucky riders. Some DAS courses are Two days of training, then two tests. If they pass then no other training needed.
Being someone who became a statistic 5 years ago, I watch all your videos with great interest, and my observations while riding are now much more intense as is my road position. My accident wasn’t on a bend or junction, but got rear ended while slowing down for a car turning right from my lane and the guy behind couldn’t stop quickly enough, which put me in hospital for 3 months. Thanks for the videos and keep up the good work 👍
I wonder how much complacency is a factor. Eg people are highly trained but end up not using their skills until the inevitable happens. Great vid as always. 😎👍
I’m a psychologist and it’s interesting how people will blame everyone else (it’s the other drivers responsibility/fault!) as it makes them feel subconsciously less scared it’ll happen to them. Weirdly, it’s almost like starting to learn a little is overwhelming how much there is to work on to stay safe. Takes the fun out of it for some people. But yes, obviously fully agree with the sense in this vid.
Interesting comment. I don't understand why they'd think that though. Blaming someone else and saying it's their responsibility would actually make me feel less safe! That's putting my safety in someone else's hands. There are lots of poor drivers and riders out there and I don't want to have to trust them to keep me safe. I prefer to think that I can learn and practice skills like perception, planning, and bike control, in order to reduce my risks. I know I can't remove all of the risks, and sometimes my safety is in the hands of others or just down to luck. For example, some of those crash statistics included riders who were waiting, and even some who were actually parked, and then there are things like a rock fall or explosion happening just as you ride past (unlikely but not impossible), but for the risks that I can control to some extent, I'd rather do that than trust others.
Thank you, Phil. Another excellent video. It is a shame that the crash statistics that are collected are not broken down in more detail e.g. level of riding i.e. learner, passed, advanced etc. I feel much useful information could be derived.
Thanks for another thought provoking video, I've been watching them since I started riding a few years ago, I go out and put into practice a lot of what you suggest and think I am a better rider for it, Thanks again.
Good advice. One thing to note (which I'm sure you are aware of) the DOT KSI 2018-2022 wasn't using fixed age ranges so it's hard to compare 30-39 against 20-24 etc. i.e. take the same 10 year range 20-29 and it's 25% vs 18% in the 30-39 range. I noticed you don't indicate on rural road overtakes, I must admit I just can't do that, I know the point about it speeding up overtakes but rightly or wrongly, I feel if that amount of time makes such a difference it's too close a call for me to overtake. Also I'm amazed that you can bring up all that detailed info while riding through traffic etc, I can't, I go quiet because my brain can't process the traffic as well as talking....
Some great points worth considering. I just realised I’ve never been instructed on how to corner and when I think back to the time I did my CBT I wonder how did I get through it going straight onto national speed limit roads on a powerful bike never having done it on the road is the point that struck a chord with me.
60 years next month (November) since I got my bike license , never n been without a motorcycle since. Ordered my new bike a month ago, getting it in next batch comer March, intend to ride bikes AT LEAST to 80 - further if carcase allows.
Well presented subject matter as always. It’s made me think about my riding and I have become a little desensitised to the risks involved. I will be considering if that overtake is really on and do I really need to get round that cornet that quickly. Thanks for the info👍
I’m approaching 64 and I’ve ridden bikes, since the age of 16. The biggest threat on riding rural roads, is other motorcyclists. The standard of riding sometimes, is appalling. Also, I’ve always kept myself, ‘bike fit’. And there are some big lads riding bikes, that clearly aren’t. Which in my opinion, doesn’t help them, in controlling their bike properly. The stats, don’t surprise me.
Very helpful, thank you. It seems that a possible root cause of the lack of action to increase road user standards could partly be economics. What would it cost to educate road users to a higher level? What would the knock on effect be of meeting higher standards to the economy? I suspect this has been looked at many times and kicked into the long grass as being too disruptive to the economic benefits of what we have now. So, the situation is (not) ‘addressed’ by changing limits and layouts, but as you correctly observed, this isn’t the real answer.
I would imagine you are right. I also think we don’t have the people with sufficient knowledge, background or desires in the official positions to change things. Despite the talk about vision zero for road casualties, little changes apart from speed limit reduction and cameras. Some time ago a fatal road collision cost circa £1m. That’s just the economics, let alone the pain to family. If proper training saved one life the bean counters have saved a million. But because they can’t verify that a crash has been averted they won’t invest in it. It was a bit like not putting police patrols on the streets for crime prevention, as the value of what didn’t happen couldn’t be measured ! All the best.
@@MotorcyclePWR Thank you for taking the time to reply. All good points, well made. It is a tragedy. Keep up the great work with your videos and for taking the time to pass on your hard-earned wisdom, helping us all improve our road craft. All the best and enjoy your riding.
Ive been on two wheels since 1970. What i think is utter madness is allowing the tight narrow country roads that were once 30mph, to become 40 or 60mph? These roads that i still ride now are cut up, potholes galore and packed with ruts. Horse riders still use these lanes today, yet its the same stupid car drive types that wont slow down for horse riders and must over take on blind bends on the wrong side of the road. And dare you ever shake your head at them how quickly these burks get triggered. I see why horse riders ware camaras while out riding now!
Everything you say is correct. Great video thanks to you. I have had a close call as you mentioned the sun is low and shining on the damp road so I didn't see the 6 inch deep pothole until I was almost down it. Luckily I managed to swerve around it and Luckily there wasn't a car coming the other way. So what would be your advice in that situation
@martinbishop5228 thanks Martin. Glad your incident was non eventful. Difficult to advise as there is always an element of risk , especially with roads being so poor these days. My best advice would be to scan well in advance and in such as way that you have the best possible awareness to see things early and consider your speed in response to the available visibility. Its always worth practicing avoidance manoeuvres so you dont make the swerve into an incident itself. All the best
@@MotorcyclePWR absolutely right and it really is a problem on our roads. If we do get into trouble because of the potholes are we covered by the highways environment or are we f..ked
The top two factors of not looking properly and failed judgements are near the same as overall RRCGB where they collectively accounted for about 55% years ago and now, after decades of incompetent road safety action, including obsessing about speed, they account for over 65%. So these are the key features of IAM or police training and so we have a well of talent that can be used to communicate better skills to ordinary road users. No speed gun required.
You talk about overtaking, that you should know when you will be returning to your own side of the road. Something you did not mention was that they vehicle you are overtaking may change pace during your maneuver, therefor forcing you to alter your planned return to your own side of the road. So this is also something that need to be consider.
Very interesting stats. Particularly of note are the morning and evening figures. Something I have noticed over the years of cycling, driving and motorcycling are the effect of low sun angles and the reduction in depth perception and visibility generally. Many factors at play here during commuting hours but extra care is definitely required no matter what direction the sun is coming from. And by “extra care” I mean red-alert levels of caution…. saved me many times. Thanks again for these videos, they make a difference.
The main rule I use is 'If I can't see (enough), I can't go'...car or bike. I have had a few spills from 10-120mph in my early riding years, all my own fault for not paying enough attention. Now the traffic is much more busier, and you often have to think for other drivers or riders, concentration for me becomes key. Been riding for 54 years!
Of course you’re preaching to the choir. But maybe the ‘choir’ can have some influence in all of this. The best thing I ever did for my driving and motorcycle riding was to join RoSPA and do a (car) course, continue that by constant membership, learning and practice, with regular assessments (exams) through the years. But for most, driving a car (in particular) is a ‘utility’ and after their ‘driving test’ their driving gets as much attention as their toaster or washing machine at home. Good riding (and driving) does rub off on others to some degree. And education and training does protect YOU, as well as others on the road. Thank you for your continuing commitment to safety on bikes. Les
Lots of good advice I now wear a hiv vis with blue and white cheque bands. The difference on pull out car drives has been amazing. They think copper and react accordingly
Road safety has two main risk mitigations. Education and training, Road design. Road design is again and again done to keep drivers safe with zero thought for motorcycles and other road users. No one is educating drivers to look out for other road users. Recently near me, then eliminated a right turn and build a large island in the middle of the road and then dropped speed to 40mph. This island eliminates all escape routes for motorcyclists. A driver pulls out and you can only break, swerving and hazard avoidance has been eliminated for the motorcyclist.
Now that motorcycle companies are going bankrupt and sales are down. We actually need more simple licence system that focuses more on safety in depth incentive to pay riders to attend advanced rider course so its CBT to A licence, no A1 or A2. We need more younger riders less barrier to access so the industry can survive. The average age of a motorcycle rider in UK is 54 thats shocking.
@steve00alt70 completely agree. A European directive adopted by the UK designed and implemented by people with no idea about motorcycling or training. Not fit for purpose in its current form.
Despite the focus on junctions during the compulsory training stages for riders, it is staggering just how many riders either ignore, or seem completely oblivious to one of the most important pieces of advice that they are given, both by instructors and the Highway Code. That being - you should NEVER overtake on the approach to a junction. You can watch countless videos from riders and "motovloggers" on RUclips, commonly ignoring that rule and apparently completely unaware of the potentially lethal dangers of doing so. It's not just inexperience either - as I'm sure you know and have experienced yourself, during my many years mentoring civilian and professional riders at advanced level, the number of times, during the very first observed ride they were subjected to, showed that this fault was alarmingly common and when raised at the debrief, frequently drew the same reaction - "Oh, I never thought of that". Speaks volumes. As you point out, any place where vehicles may turn or emerge should be viewed as a junction - businesses, garden centres, petrol stations, laybys, driveways etc. etc. Police riders often refer to these kinds of places as "options". If there are options to your left or right, you should be practicing a very high level of vigilance and, if, you are contemplating an overtake, you must be absolutely certain that it is safe to do so. When junctions are brought into the mix, that certainty is more often that not, unavailable. If you're on a motorcycle, just be patient, safe overtaking opportunities arise pretty regularly if you're doing it right. Think of a car emerging from a junction and turning left onto the major carriageway. Think about the "normal" behaviour of the vast majority of drivers when carrying out this manoeuvre - they arrive at the junction and look to their right - the place where oncoming traffic on their side of the road represents the most immediate "threat" to them and hindrance to their progress. If it's clear, they will invariably pull out. Yes, when they were taught to drive they were almost certainly taught to look both ways - but I guarantee you, far more often than not, whether they are driving a car or riding a bike, they won't do so. If you are barrelling past one or more vehicles on the approach to that junction or "option", what do you think is going to happen to you? You are on the wrong side of the road, probably travelling at a rapid pace, with vehicles to your left and now either an oncoming vehicle, or one that has emerged and blocked your path. Maybe you'll get lucky and the road layout will be such that an escape route presents itself but realistically the chances of that are often slim to none - especially considering the high state of fear and panic that you will likely be in at that moment. NEVER put yourself in that position. And remember, it's not just junctions on your right, those on the left can be full of nasty surprises too - anywhere that vehicles may be turning or emerging can develop very quickly into a nasty situation for any road user who isn't paying attention, and we all know, or should know, that a heck of a lot of people don't do a great deal of that when behind the wheel or the handlebars. With regard to people who argue for ever lower speed limits, they seem, invariably, to be those who are the least qualified to be making judgements and decisions about such things and/or those who have nothing better or constructive to do with their time than desperately seek the relevance that they apparently crave. Cause and bandwagon jumpers. Those who seem to think that overtaking should be made illegal are just laughable - but usually display worrying levels of zealotry regarding any behaviour that their puritanical mindset causes them to find "offensive" or "bad". Prohibitionists - if I don't approve, nobody should be allowed to do it - forever screeching that "something must be done!" You all know people like that I'm sure, they are legion nowadays. They are also the types who would love to see motorcycles banned altogether, as well as countless things from which other people derive any kind of pleasure or enjoyment. They are genuinely quite dangerous in their ignorance, and indignant, self-righteous narrowmindedness and history has proven that many many times over. The nanny state however, loves and needs people like that if they are to legislate against anything and everything that allows any kind of freedoms, autonomy, personal responsibility, individualism or independent thought. They also absolutely love to relentlessly employ the concepts of "the common good" or "safety" - not that they genuinely care about either. In the words of Albert Camus the French writer:- "The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants, and it provides the further advantage of giving the servants of tyranny a good conscience.” To be honest, based on what I see on the roads nowadays, in stark difference to even a decade or two ago, a great many car drivers already seem to think that overtaking on a single carriageway road is not allowed and it frequently causes frustrating and unnecessary congestion and delays for the traffic around them. As for even knowing what the national speed limit on a single carriageway is, forget it - most drivers in my neck of the woods resolutely will not go above 50 and many won't even come close to that. Every time I hear someone bleat "it's not a target it's a limit" I want to slap that stupid smugness right out of them - like so many modern day sound bytes that mindless people regurgitate - there is no thought behind it whatsoever, none. I find it especially egregious when driving instructors resort to using such shallow and pithy declarations. The bar has really gotten so low, for driving and so much else, that's it's probably some considerable way below sea level at this point. All it takes is a slow moving vehicle or one member of the "drive everywhere at 39 mph" club, and one or two drivers following dutifully behind who won't even look for a passing opportunity and the queue behind steadily builds until there could be 10, 20, 30 or more people, growing ever more impatient and frustrated, wondering what is going on, and leaning towards taking stupid risks in pursuit of trying to get where they are going. Those are the times, I sorely wish I was on my motorcycle - for anyone to suggest that overtaking should be banned, marks them as a blatant simpleton as far as I'm concerned and definitely someone who should never have been given or allowed the privilege of a driving licence of any kind.
I've asked this before, sorry but as you mention it as your number one accident prevention strategy, where are the statistics to back this up? How many deaths or serious injuries to those who have passed an advanced rider test?
Hi, thank you for your question. I wish I could answer it. I am unaware of any statistics to show this, I guess it’s not a question asked by police as part of an investigation. I think a lot of other information would also be useful but not currently recorded. But, when you hear of the causes of some of these collisions one would hope that the mistakes wouldn’t be made by a rider with more knowledge. We can only do our best. Cheers
@MotorcyclePWR thanks for the reply. The question arises because having an advanced qualification doesn't lead to any significant reduction in insurance premiums. So do insurance companies know something we don't? They'd be difficult to get information from but they do gather it. Anecdotally, I got a reduction of 67p, yes pence, from one insurer. Does that mean advanced riders are to them no less likely to have an accident or theft than anyone else, even with their greater knowledge, skill and experience? Does complacency, fatigue or advanced age nullify or counter it? Are other road users' mistakes rendering further training moot? Or are insurance companies making advances riders bear the brunt, ie they don't reflect it in premiums because they don't share the drive towards more training?
@RedDragonUncaged ah, insurance companies! A law unto themselves it seems. I may well do a video to share my thoughts and canvass thoughts from others. It may well be that your thoughts are absolutely right, ultimately for an insurer their business success is about taking as much money as possible and paying as little as possible. I genuinely feel that they dont care about road safety, but will use the lack of it to inflate premiums!
Sense, sense and more sense. All bikers need to learn you are ultimately responsible by your actions and awareness, even if you don’t like it , it’s true.Including myself !Personally I don’t think national speed limits can be left to people’s discretion.
Having been deliberately rammed, whilst stopped at a set of lights, and technically dying at scene. The sheriff stated it was calculated road rage, not sure how my actions, or awareness make me ultimately responsible.
@@alanbrown5593 sorry to hear about your incident, but we dont know the full story. Might depend on why you were deliberately rammed, odd to come out of nowhere unless the guy was a drugged psychopath?? Good chance on the face of it that you are not ULTIMATELY responsible.
Good points as usual, thank you. I agree that more and better education is very important. Yet I also believe that speed limits are important. In my country (The Netherlands) more and more country lanes have a 60 km/h speed limit. I see quite a few benefits: for many people this is too low, the limit is policed so they start avoiding those roads, less traffic means less issues. 60 km/h makes riding (and driving) more, for lack of a better word, relaxed. I do not mean that you have less focus or concentration, it just makes life easier. Obviously if it does go wrong the risks are a bit smaller at lower speeds. And on all roads and at all speeds it helps you to realize you are not Giacomo Agostini... Who? Well this shows my age 🙂. Stay safe!
Don't forget a very notable, national and global, "event" happened between 2020 and 2022. It would seem that road traffic accidents involving all road users, coincidentally? Mysteriously? Perhaps even "suddenly and unexpectedly" increased rather alarmingly subsequent to the "measures" taken. It could also be said, that the behaviour displayed by a great many people since that "event" has been "off".......if you've been paying attention you've probably noticed a marked increase in what can best be described as "vacant", distracted and apparently witless tendencies.
The $64,000 statistic we don't get is what is the chance of an accident for the careful skilled and trained motorcyclist doing everything right! I do hope it is low :)
I was out on my bike a couple of weeks ago, on three separate occasions I allowed for a car driver to pullout or do a manoeuvre as if I wasn't there, if I hadn't of done I would of been knocked off, without doubt, I decided that was enough and that i'd be better off riding home and giving my bike a wash and polish.
you would hope so! It seems there is no data out there. Although I once saw the data for police motorcyclists vs everybody else and whilst police miles were greater, as were speeds and pressure, per miles travelled, police riders were significantly safer that non police.
Sad part you have idiots in all walks of life. Every learner should be made to watch crashes as part of any test(car & motorcycle) in a hope something sticks. Maybe safety adverts should be a thing just like wearing a seatbelt or drink driving for drivers was once. Tests are only passed doing speed limits without overtaking in most cases, agreed that should be part of any test, same as motorway driving for new car drivers.. Speed kills because idiots are not in control of a machine. Road craft is an afterthought for said idiots and unfortunately you can never legislate for idiots. 2 or 4 wheels. Some RUclips reviewers are some of the worse riders I’ve seen doing blind cornering and overtaking at high speeds while complaining the tyres are a bit budget & complaining the bike doesn’t have enough power watched by said potential learner riders. 🥴 Ride or drive responsibly & enjoy the view. Everyone is in a bloody rush!
Luck? I suppose some of my survival is down to "luck". What is "luck" ? Making an error or using poor judgement and getting away with it? Or by deciding to take further training, or other kinds of instruction, practice ect, create your own "good luck" Looking at accident stats and reports from other pursuits. A very simple statistics. For every really serious incidents A lot more, less serious incidents occurred. Even more minor incidents occurred And the big one. A Heck of a lot more near misses(or near hits) occurred Its a pyramid scheme. Probability, of something serious is proportional to the number of near misses. So. If you have more near misses the chances your luck will run out is much greater. So try and avoid the near misses. Your "luck" will be better.
Interesting age group statistics. Driving through Gloucester at 4pm today, it was scary how little gear the bikers I saw had on, and they all looked young. Yet they aren’t the highest risk group. I suppose the high proportion of older riders is due to speed, slower reactions, and more likely to be in larger groups. Plus there is a lot of talk about how the cost of motorcycling is making it an older persons activity so the numbers will be different
👋 I’m in 🇫🇷 from age 14 I started my training on a bike for 2yrs now 16 I pass my bike test so I can ride 🆙 2 a 125cc once I get to 16.5yrs I can move ⬆️ 2 a 200cc bike once I get to 17yrs I get my full license so any type of bike, so if uk do this then should not have accidents all every one in 🇫🇷must ride a motorbike be4 u get ur drive license for a car. Thank u for the information in 🇬🇧
What's the difference between you and the bloke who goes through a hedge? Two arms, two legs, a human brain, sight and hearing. You probably differ in no significant physical way from the casualty; not even in the level of manual handling skills that you possess. I would argue that the significant difference between you is in your Attitudes towards motorcycling. Both you and our prospective casualty will approach the same set of circumstances on the road ... but you'll each make a very different decision, because that decision-making is heavily biased by your Attitudes; maybe particularly your respective Attitudes towards risk. The problem is that such Attitudes are not easy to manipulate. 'Education' has a poor track-record of changing behaviour. No wonder that the State resorts to crude methods of control.
Is part of the problem not that riders don’t go on and get additional training but that the CBT training is too basic?
Also, it would be interesting if the government statistics compared none enhanced trained riders against enhanced trained riders.
@spudgunson theres truth it this, but unfortunately despite the good intentions of the cbt, its difficult to achieve more. Several reasons, but there is no appetite and indeed opposition by biking groups to making cbt more involved. A yearly renewal and 2 day course was proposed a while ago which caused biking action groups to be rather upset.
1/ Too time consuming and too expensive, biking is supposed to be a cheap form of transport... ?!
2/ CBT covers a lot of subjects, but is designed for someone who has never ridden before. But riders of varying experience and ability have to follow the same syllabus. Riders are mixed on cbt so difficult to give more to experienced vs brand new.
A rider has to start somewhere, and in its purest form its not bad as a starting point. But some instructors are more thorough than others and there is so much to get through its questionable how much knowledge and ability a rider retains after the course.
3/ CBT was designed to allow practice before taking test, but is used by some repeatedly to keep riding and not take test.
So as usual, we are prioritising time and cost over safety and ability. Its up to individuals who decide to seek more training and those that are happy with the minimum. Then there are those riders who dont know that theres more available and that what they might have been given is sub standard. Minefield!
All the best.
April of this year saw a return of motorcycing for me, after an 18 year break. I purchased an r ninet Urban GS, which proved to be a very sensible purchase, and two months ago, progressed to a 2010 r1200rt, which I use to commute on, and also pleasure use with my wife.
Before doing any of this, I began watching your YT channel, and the knowledge that I have gained from it, has been quite phenomenal. I don't think that I take a single ride without using the knowledge and experience that you freely give. I know with 100 percent certainty, that I am a far more proficient, confident, and safer rider because of having watched and put into practice, what you have taught and shown.
@eddiejefferies3659 good work Eddie! Using a BMW to pleasure your wife, presumably within the private confines of a garage is good to keep a marriage vital 😀 Mine is far more turned on by Ducatis but that's another story
I tend to agree with all you’ve said. As an ADV instructor, the three or four top areas for developing riders, new or old, include bends, the need to lift vision more, carrying too much speed into hazards and complacency/human factors. Part of the need to lift vision is to spot opportunities early, make a plan and improve reaction time. Good observation is the cornerstone to the whole system of riding.
Thanks for an excellent video as always. I’m of the firm opinion that, with the possible exception of being shunted from behind, if I have an accident, it’s my fault. It really doesn’t matter if the other driver breaks the law or drives badly, I have to anticipate their actions and plan how to deal with the worst situation. Trying hard not to become a statistic 😀
"Two to tangle" is a phrase used by Kevin Williams.......
Others may set up collisions but we can often reduce (or mitigate against) , collision risks.
If our speed is at significant variance with other traffic then we arguably increase risk of catching some by surprise.
Thanks 👍🏍
I'd only been riding for a few years when I got knocked of my motorbike by the car I was overtaking, when they went to overtake the car in front of them, we were in a queue of traffic just coming out of a 30mph limit onto a wide straight stretch of road.
I got away without any major injuries, but a written off bike, car driver very apologetic, admitted fault straight away, so no games with the insurance, friends, family and work colleagues all said nothing I could have done, wasn't my fault, just bad luck and I thought the same.
That is until one of our customers came into the warehouse, he was a part-time motorcycle instructor and knowing I'd had a bike crash asked me what happened, I said I wasn't blame, but he said that's not the point, what could I have done to avoid the situation?
And with some explanation from him I realised, yes I could have done a few things, I could have anticipated the car was going to pull out, all the clues were there, I could have got in a better position, to give me a bit of space, by the time he hit me I'd nearly braked hard enough to be out of the way, if I'd been a few feet over to the right I'd probably been out of the way as he pulled out and I could have used the horn.
That conversation was 40 years ago, it changed my outlook on riding motorbikes and driving, that merely being in the "right" isn't much good if you lying in hospital or worse.
When changing lanes or overtaking I always think to myself if I want to overtake or change lanes other road users will probably want to too and ride accordingly.
I would be interested in knowing if the statistics show whether the motor cyclists involved in the accidents were riding as individuals or in company, two or more, or a group even. I would bet a fair few of the overtake accidents were of group or 'Ride Out' origin. People
trying to either catch up or keep up and getting more reckless in the process. Most of us who ride regularly as individuals have had a group of bikes go past us on the road, with the tail enders thrashing it to stay with the group. Common sight here on Welsh country roads, especially at weekends.
It doesn’t seem to be on the ‘contributory factor’ list so I’m guessing it’s not considered ‘sufficiently’ contributory. Your interest, and point of course, is valid.
I’ve not ridden with a group since my RAC ACU days (precursor to the CBT, I think). I may have ridden with a pal, once or twice, but I’m not overly fond of it. Saying that, I badgered my younger brother (57) to blow some of our Mums inheritance on a bike so we could take a road trip down through France / Spain! I wonder what THEIR stats are like!🤔😉✌️
As someone who has never ridden a bike, and at the age of 60 am taking my DAS in November, I really appreciate the thoughtfulness, analysis and introspection you bring to your videos. It has certainly helped change my perception of the risks/challenges ahead of me.
I’m riding again, at 60, after a 38yr hiatus. It’s bloody good fun. Good luck to you, Julius. You’ll love it 😉✌️🤘
I'd firmly recommend getting some enhanced and or advanced training too, it will help with confidence, and your safety. ;-)
I passed my DAS last year 16 days before my 60th. These videos helped me tremendously, I have since done safer rider with Norfolk police, hugger rider with Norfolk County Council, and some of the best training was with i2i motorcycle academy was recommended after I did my hugger course, so look them up or you tube i2i Tom is great and explained in great detail then you get to do it, just did my mc1& mc2, good luck with DAS enjoy.
This afternoon I was driving the car and had a car pull out on me of a side road on the left to turn right - forcing a full emergency stop and missed them by literal inches (they even cut their turn, continuing to drive closer to me). Gormless look dead in my eye as they did it. I honestly believe it was solely because I'm a defensive biker that I had noticed they did not look in either direction before emerging - their approach to the T-junction was not excessively fast, they just didn't look or give any sign of preparing to give way - and so I started braking early. It was the closest I've been to an accident in 30+ years on the road. However, I can imagine on a bike I could have done nothing, same if it had been wet, or dark etc. There are some incidents you just cannot avoid.
Wise words, particularly regarding junctions and overtakes. I see so many videos on RUclips where bikers overtake where there are junctions, driveways, etc, on the offside.
Yes, junctions are deadly. Asking for trouble if you go past them at speed.
As usual sir, well presented & thought provoking vlog. Every vlog I watch I try to practice and I try to get one outstanding comment, from this vlog… ‘Never put your bike where your eyes have not been’. Should be the very first comment for every rider, new or old, before straddling a bike, whether for the first or one millionth time. It is also a magnificent comment for a t-shirt. Thank you, your vlogs inspire me to be a better rider
Education is KEY. The CBT, A2 nor DAS, as you allude to offer Advanced techniques or methods. As a father of an 18yr old soon to turn 19 who's been riding from 16 3/4, I'm terrified for them, I share your content with them of course. They have conducted the CBT twice, as it only lasts 2-years. I try to imbue Advanced rideing methods, but using such on a CBT or A2, A, DAS would lead to a fail. It seems to me again as you talk about, that there is a disconnect and a reformation of the training content and access to an A from CBT etc. is required. Better trained and educated riders and drivers, would greatly reduce incidents and make the roads a more pleasant and safer place to be. I think most folks though don't have a growth, wanting to learn and improve mindset, present company excepted. Thank you VERY much for your thoughts and content.
Totally agree with you speed restrictions are not the cure.. more training and mindset on safety of manoeuvres is key.
Very nice indeed love your videos, very informative information 👍
Thank you very much!
I like these videos - they make me think about how I ride
Great videos, as a rider of 12 years, I’m finding these videos really enlightening and informative. I’m not a fast rider, just prefer to ride within my limits and try to anticipate any obstacles. Never going to be a brilliant or fast rider- but prefer to just tootle along.
Another great vid. I was going out around 4 today and the sun was low so i decided give it a miss. On the way to work on Thursday on my bike at 5am, another bike came up and must have been doing 60, that was at a junction and in the wet. I couldn't help but think he wont last long if he keeps that up. From the second i jump on the bike I'm tuned into potential hazards and idiots, that's the only way i ride. Will only open the throttle on roads i know well where i know there is little chance of anyone pulling out. Call me boring but that's how it is.
Tbh, that’s prob where you are more at risk. Familiar ‘quiet’ roads. Sure there was something (years ago) that said you are more likely to have an accident within five miles of your house. Don’t remember much (don’t ask me what I had for tea earlier tonight lol) but that’s always stuck in me head.
Very informative. The stats speak for themselves. We need a new acronym. JOBs: Junctions-overtakes-bends. Thanks for the video 👍
Metal drains are left un coated everywhere and wet metal is a serious hazard in a bend.
Again another insightful video.... motorcycling is a skilful art not just twist and go. Complete assesment and the correct application is a skill.... You never stop learning
I am doing ROSPA training, in part to watching your videos. I agree 100% that training and education is the way forward. The DAS course is often very quick for lucky riders. Some DAS courses are Two days of training, then two tests. If they pass then no other training needed.
Being someone who became a statistic 5 years ago, I watch all your videos with great interest, and my observations while riding are now much more intense as is my road position.
My accident wasn’t on a bend or junction, but got rear ended while slowing down for a car turning right from my lane and the guy behind couldn’t stop quickly enough, which put me in hospital for 3 months.
Thanks for the videos and keep up the good work 👍
I wonder how much complacency is a factor. Eg people are highly trained but end up not using their skills until the inevitable happens. Great vid as always. 😎👍
I’m a psychologist and it’s interesting how people will blame everyone else (it’s the other drivers responsibility/fault!) as it makes them feel subconsciously less scared it’ll happen to them. Weirdly, it’s almost like starting to learn a little is overwhelming how much there is to work on to stay safe. Takes the fun out of it for some people. But yes, obviously fully agree with the sense in this vid.
Interesting comment. I don't understand why they'd think that though. Blaming someone else and saying it's their responsibility would actually make me feel less safe! That's putting my safety in someone else's hands. There are lots of poor drivers and riders out there and I don't want to have to trust them to keep me safe. I prefer to think that I can learn and practice skills like perception, planning, and bike control, in order to reduce my risks. I know I can't remove all of the risks, and sometimes my safety is in the hands of others or just down to luck. For example, some of those crash statistics included riders who were waiting, and even some who were actually parked, and then there are things like a rock fall or explosion happening just as you ride past (unlikely but not impossible), but for the risks that I can control to some extent, I'd rather do that than trust others.
Another very useful, thought provoking video!
Thank you😊
Thank you, Phil. Another excellent video. It is a shame that the crash statistics that are collected are not broken down in more detail e.g. level of riding i.e. learner, passed, advanced etc. I feel much useful information could be derived.
Thanks for another thought provoking video, I've been watching them since I started riding a few years ago, I go out and put into practice a lot of what you suggest and think I am a better rider for it, Thanks again.
Good advice. One thing to note (which I'm sure you are aware of) the DOT KSI 2018-2022 wasn't using fixed age ranges so it's hard to compare 30-39 against 20-24 etc. i.e. take the same 10 year range 20-29 and it's 25% vs 18% in the 30-39 range.
I noticed you don't indicate on rural road overtakes, I must admit I just can't do that, I know the point about it speeding up overtakes but rightly or wrongly, I feel if that amount of time makes such a difference it's too close a call for me to overtake.
Also I'm amazed that you can bring up all that detailed info while riding through traffic etc, I can't, I go quiet because my brain can't process the traffic as well as talking....
Some great points worth considering. I just realised I’ve never been instructed on how to corner and when I think back to the time I did my CBT I wonder how did I get through it going straight onto national speed limit roads on a powerful bike never having done it on the road is the point that struck a chord with me.
As usual, such good advice. Thank you!
Great video I've learned a lot from your videos thank you, and gonna review your riding in rain as the weather is turn wild, and just love riding my 🏍
60 years next month (November) since I got my bike license , never n been without a motorcycle since. Ordered my new bike a month ago, getting it in next batch comer March, intend to ride bikes AT LEAST to 80 - further if carcase allows.
Well presented subject matter as always. It’s made me think about my riding and I have become a little desensitised to the risks involved. I will be considering if that overtake is really on and do I really need to get round that cornet that quickly. Thanks for the info👍
Thanks Phil, much appreciated
I’m approaching 64 and I’ve ridden bikes, since the age of 16.
The biggest threat on riding rural roads, is other motorcyclists. The standard of riding sometimes, is appalling.
Also, I’ve always kept myself, ‘bike fit’. And there are some big lads riding bikes, that clearly aren’t. Which in my opinion, doesn’t help them, in controlling their bike properly. The stats, don’t surprise me.
Very useful, many thanks … safe riding all!
Great content 👍🏻
Very helpful, thank you. It seems that a possible root cause of the lack of action to increase road user standards could partly be economics. What would it cost to educate road users to a higher level? What would the knock on effect be of meeting higher standards to the economy? I suspect this has been looked at many times and kicked into the long grass as being too disruptive to the economic benefits of what we have now. So, the situation is (not) ‘addressed’ by changing limits and layouts, but as you correctly observed, this isn’t the real answer.
I would imagine you are right. I also think we don’t have the people with sufficient knowledge, background or desires in the official positions to change things. Despite the talk about vision zero for road casualties, little changes apart from speed limit reduction and cameras. Some time ago a fatal road collision cost circa £1m. That’s just the economics, let alone the pain to family. If proper training saved one life the bean counters have saved a million. But because they can’t verify that a crash has been averted they won’t invest in it.
It was a bit like not putting police patrols on the streets for crime prevention, as the value of what didn’t happen couldn’t be measured ! All the best.
@@MotorcyclePWR Thank you for taking the time to reply. All good points, well made. It is a tragedy. Keep up the great work with your videos and for taking the time to pass on your hard-earned wisdom, helping us all improve our road craft. All the best and enjoy your riding.
Ive been on two wheels since 1970. What i think is utter madness is allowing the tight narrow country roads that were once 30mph, to become 40 or 60mph? These roads that i still ride now are cut up, potholes galore and packed with ruts. Horse riders still use these lanes today, yet its the same stupid car drive types that wont slow down for horse riders and must over take on blind bends on the wrong side of the road. And dare you ever shake your head at them how quickly these burks get triggered. I see why horse riders ware camaras while out riding now!
Everything you say is correct. Great video thanks to you. I have had a close call as you mentioned the sun is low and shining on the damp road so I didn't see the 6 inch deep pothole until I was almost down it. Luckily I managed to swerve around it and Luckily there wasn't a car coming the other way. So what would be your advice in that situation
@martinbishop5228 thanks Martin. Glad your incident was non eventful. Difficult to advise as there is always an element of risk , especially with roads being so poor these days. My best advice would be to scan well in advance and in such as way that you have the best possible awareness to see things early and consider your speed in response to the available visibility. Its always worth practicing avoidance manoeuvres so you dont make the swerve into an incident itself. All the best
@@MotorcyclePWR absolutely right and it really is a problem on our roads. If we do get into trouble because of the potholes are we covered by the highways environment or are we f..ked
The top two factors of not looking properly and failed judgements are near the same as overall RRCGB where they collectively accounted for about 55% years ago and now, after decades of incompetent road safety action, including obsessing about speed, they account for over 65%. So these are the key features of IAM or police training and so we have a well of talent that can be used to communicate better skills to ordinary road users. No speed gun required.
You talk about overtaking, that you should know when you will be returning to your own side of the road. Something you did not mention was that they vehicle you are overtaking may change pace during your maneuver, therefor forcing you to alter your planned return to your own side of the road. So this is also something that need to be consider.
Very interesting stats. Particularly of note are the morning and evening figures. Something I have noticed over the years of cycling, driving and motorcycling are the effect of low sun angles and the reduction in depth perception and visibility generally. Many factors at play here during commuting hours but extra care is definitely required no matter what direction the sun is coming from. And by “extra care” I mean red-alert levels of caution…. saved me many times.
Thanks again for these videos, they make a difference.
The main rule I use is 'If I can't see (enough), I can't go'...car or bike. I have had a few spills from 10-120mph in my early riding years, all my own fault for not paying enough attention. Now the traffic is much more busier, and you often have to think for other drivers or riders, concentration for me becomes key. Been riding for 54 years!
Of course you’re preaching to the choir. But maybe the ‘choir’ can have some influence in all of this. The best thing I ever did for my driving and motorcycle riding was to join RoSPA and do a (car) course, continue that by constant membership, learning and practice, with regular assessments (exams) through the years. But for most, driving a car (in particular) is a ‘utility’ and after their ‘driving test’ their driving gets as much attention as their toaster or washing machine at home. Good riding (and driving) does rub off on others to some degree. And education and training does protect YOU, as well as others on the road. Thank you for your continuing commitment to safety on bikes. Les
I’m so glad I think like you 😊
Lots of good advice
I now wear a hiv vis with blue and white cheque bands.
The difference on pull out car drives has been amazing.
They think copper and react accordingly
At what time of year do these figure
Road safety has two main risk mitigations. Education and training, Road design.
Road design is again and again done to keep drivers safe with zero thought for motorcycles and other road users.
No one is educating drivers to look out for other road users.
Recently near me, then eliminated a right turn and build a large island in the middle of the road and then dropped speed to 40mph. This island eliminates all escape routes for motorcyclists. A driver pulls out and you can only break, swerving and hazard avoidance has been eliminated for the motorcyclist.
Aye, always been an issue. They should paint them with some of that grippy paint
Now that motorcycle companies are going bankrupt and sales are down. We actually need more simple licence system that focuses more on safety in depth incentive to pay riders to attend advanced rider course so its CBT to A licence, no A1 or A2. We need more younger riders less barrier to access so the industry can survive. The average age of a motorcycle rider in UK is 54 thats shocking.
@steve00alt70 completely agree. A European directive adopted by the UK designed and implemented by people with no idea about motorcycling or training. Not fit for purpose in its current form.
Despite the focus on junctions during the compulsory training stages for riders, it is staggering just how many riders either ignore, or seem completely oblivious to one of the most important pieces of advice that they are given, both by instructors and the Highway Code. That being - you should NEVER overtake on the approach to a junction. You can watch countless videos from riders and "motovloggers" on RUclips, commonly ignoring that rule and apparently completely unaware of the potentially lethal dangers of doing so. It's not just inexperience either - as I'm sure you know and have experienced yourself, during my many years mentoring civilian and professional riders at advanced level, the number of times, during the very first observed ride they were subjected to, showed that this fault was alarmingly common and when raised at the debrief, frequently drew the same reaction - "Oh, I never thought of that". Speaks volumes.
As you point out, any place where vehicles may turn or emerge should be viewed as a junction - businesses, garden centres, petrol stations, laybys, driveways etc. etc. Police riders often refer to these kinds of places as "options". If there are options to your left or right, you should be practicing a very high level of vigilance and, if, you are contemplating an overtake, you must be absolutely certain that it is safe to do so. When junctions are brought into the mix, that certainty is more often that not, unavailable. If you're on a motorcycle, just be patient, safe overtaking opportunities arise pretty regularly if you're doing it right.
Think of a car emerging from a junction and turning left onto the major carriageway. Think about the "normal" behaviour of the vast majority of drivers when carrying out this manoeuvre - they arrive at the junction and look to their right - the place where oncoming traffic on their side of the road represents the most immediate "threat" to them and hindrance to their progress. If it's clear, they will invariably pull out. Yes, when they were taught to drive they were almost certainly taught to look both ways - but I guarantee you, far more often than not, whether they are driving a car or riding a bike, they won't do so.
If you are barrelling past one or more vehicles on the approach to that junction or "option", what do you think is going to happen to you? You are on the wrong side of the road, probably travelling at a rapid pace, with vehicles to your left and now either an oncoming vehicle, or one that has emerged and blocked your path. Maybe you'll get lucky and the road layout will be such that an escape route presents itself but realistically the chances of that are often slim to none - especially considering the high state of fear and panic that you will likely be in at that moment. NEVER put yourself in that position. And remember, it's not just junctions on your right, those on the left can be full of nasty surprises too - anywhere that vehicles may be turning or emerging can develop very quickly into a nasty situation for any road user who isn't paying attention, and we all know, or should know, that a heck of a lot of people don't do a great deal of that when behind the wheel or the handlebars.
With regard to people who argue for ever lower speed limits, they seem, invariably, to be those who are the least qualified to be making judgements and decisions about such things and/or those who have nothing better or constructive to do with their time than desperately seek the relevance that they apparently crave. Cause and bandwagon jumpers. Those who seem to think that overtaking should be made illegal are just laughable - but usually display worrying levels of zealotry regarding any behaviour that their puritanical mindset causes them to find "offensive" or "bad". Prohibitionists - if I don't approve, nobody should be allowed to do it - forever screeching that "something must be done!" You all know people like that I'm sure, they are legion nowadays. They are also the types who would love to see motorcycles banned altogether, as well as countless things from which other people derive any kind of pleasure or enjoyment. They are genuinely quite dangerous in their ignorance, and indignant, self-righteous narrowmindedness and history has proven that many many times over. The nanny state however, loves and needs people like that if they are to legislate against anything and everything that allows any kind of freedoms, autonomy, personal responsibility, individualism or independent thought. They also absolutely love to relentlessly employ the concepts of "the common good" or "safety" - not that they genuinely care about either.
In the words of Albert Camus the French writer:- "The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants, and it provides the further advantage of giving the servants of tyranny a good conscience.”
To be honest, based on what I see on the roads nowadays, in stark difference to even a decade or two ago, a great many car drivers already seem to think that overtaking on a single carriageway road is not allowed and it frequently causes frustrating and unnecessary congestion and delays for the traffic around them. As for even knowing what the national speed limit on a single carriageway is, forget it - most drivers in my neck of the woods resolutely will not go above 50 and many won't even come close to that. Every time I hear someone bleat "it's not a target it's a limit" I want to slap that stupid smugness right out of them - like so many modern day sound bytes that mindless people regurgitate - there is no thought behind it whatsoever, none. I find it especially egregious when driving instructors resort to using such shallow and pithy declarations. The bar has really gotten so low, for driving and so much else, that's it's probably some considerable way below sea level at this point.
All it takes is a slow moving vehicle or one member of the "drive everywhere at 39 mph" club, and one or two drivers following dutifully behind who won't even look for a passing opportunity and the queue behind steadily builds until there could be 10, 20, 30 or more people, growing ever more impatient and frustrated, wondering what is going on, and leaning towards taking stupid risks in pursuit of trying to get where they are going. Those are the times, I sorely wish I was on my motorcycle - for anyone to suggest that overtaking should be banned, marks them as a blatant simpleton as far as I'm concerned and definitely someone who should never have been given or allowed the privilege of a driving licence of any kind.
Thank you for your very interesting and comprehensive comment. Absolutely agree with you. 👍
Thank you for your very interesting and comprehensive comment. Absolutely agree with you. 👍
I've asked this before, sorry but as you mention it as your number one accident prevention strategy, where are the statistics to back this up? How many deaths or serious injuries to those who have passed an advanced rider test?
Hi, thank you for your question. I wish I could answer it. I am unaware of any statistics to show this, I guess it’s not a question asked by police as part of an investigation. I think a lot of other information would also be useful but not currently recorded.
But, when you hear of the causes of some of these collisions one would hope that the mistakes wouldn’t be made by a rider with more knowledge. We can only do our best. Cheers
@MotorcyclePWR thanks for the reply. The question arises because having an advanced qualification doesn't lead to any significant reduction in insurance premiums. So do insurance companies know something we don't? They'd be difficult to get information from but they do gather it. Anecdotally, I got a reduction of 67p, yes pence, from one insurer. Does that mean advanced riders are to them no less likely to have an accident or theft than anyone else, even with their greater knowledge, skill and experience? Does complacency, fatigue or advanced age nullify or counter it? Are other road users' mistakes rendering further training moot? Or are insurance companies making advances riders bear the brunt, ie they don't reflect it in premiums because they don't share the drive towards more training?
@RedDragonUncaged ah, insurance companies! A law unto themselves it seems. I may well do a video to share my thoughts and canvass thoughts from others. It may well be that your thoughts are absolutely right, ultimately for an insurer their business success is about taking as much money as possible and paying as little as possible. I genuinely feel that they dont care about road safety, but will use the lack of it to inflate premiums!
‘Going ahead, other’ 🤔 under any other circumstances I’d find that bloody funny.
Sense, sense and more sense. All bikers need to learn you are ultimately responsible by your actions and awareness, even if you don’t like it , it’s true.Including myself !Personally I don’t think national speed limits can be left to people’s discretion.
Having been deliberately rammed, whilst stopped at a set of lights, and technically dying at scene.
The sheriff stated it was calculated road rage, not sure how my actions, or awareness make me ultimately responsible.
@@alanbrown5593 sorry to hear about your incident, but we dont know the full story. Might depend on why you were deliberately rammed, odd to come out of nowhere unless the guy was a drugged psychopath?? Good chance on the face of it that you are not ULTIMATELY responsible.
Good points as usual, thank you. I agree that more and better education is very important. Yet I also believe that speed limits are important. In my country (The Netherlands) more and more country lanes have a 60 km/h speed limit. I see quite a few benefits: for many people this is too low, the limit is policed so they start avoiding those roads, less traffic means less issues. 60 km/h makes riding (and driving) more, for lack of a better word, relaxed. I do not mean that you have less focus or concentration, it just makes life easier. Obviously if it does go wrong the risks are a bit smaller at lower speeds. And on all roads and at all speeds it helps you to realize you are not Giacomo Agostini... Who? Well this shows my age 🙂. Stay safe!
Don't forget a very notable, national and global, "event" happened between 2020 and 2022. It would seem that road traffic accidents involving all road users, coincidentally? Mysteriously? Perhaps even "suddenly and unexpectedly" increased rather alarmingly subsequent to the "measures" taken.
It could also be said, that the behaviour displayed by a great many people since that "event" has been "off".......if you've been paying attention you've probably noticed a marked increase in what can best be described as "vacant", distracted and apparently witless tendencies.
Great video, we need more police motorcyclists on our roads to referee bad driving.
New government wouldn't go amiss 😊
Ps, About sharing crash death statistics etc. Sadly, that's the only guaranteed way to makes folks listen and info hopefully sink in.
interesting stuff
The $64,000 statistic we don't get is what is the chance of an accident for the careful skilled and trained motorcyclist doing everything right! I do hope it is low :)
I was out on my bike a couple of weeks ago, on three separate occasions I allowed for a car driver to pullout or do a manoeuvre as if I wasn't there, if I hadn't of done I would of been knocked off, without doubt, I decided that was enough and that i'd be better off riding home and giving my bike a wash and polish.
you would hope so! It seems there is no data out there. Although I once saw the data for police motorcyclists vs everybody else and whilst police miles were greater, as were speeds and pressure, per miles travelled, police riders were significantly safer that non police.
Enjoying these thought provoking video. Thanks for your work putting them together to share your knowledge and experience.
Sad part you have idiots in all walks of life. Every learner should be made to watch crashes as part of any test(car & motorcycle) in a hope something sticks. Maybe safety adverts should be a thing just like wearing a seatbelt or drink driving for drivers was once. Tests are only passed doing speed limits without overtaking in most cases, agreed that should be part of any test, same as motorway driving for new car drivers.. Speed kills because idiots are not in control of a machine. Road craft is an afterthought for said idiots and unfortunately you can never legislate for idiots. 2 or 4 wheels. Some RUclips reviewers are some of the worse riders I’ve seen doing blind cornering and overtaking at high speeds while complaining the tyres are a bit budget & complaining the bike doesn’t have enough power watched by said potential learner riders. 🥴 Ride or drive responsibly & enjoy the view. Everyone is in a bloody rush!
Luck?
I suppose some of my survival is down to "luck". What is "luck" ? Making an error or using poor judgement and getting away with it?
Or by deciding to take further training, or other kinds of instruction, practice ect, create your own "good luck"
Looking at accident stats and reports from other pursuits.
A very simple statistics.
For every really serious incidents
A lot more, less serious incidents occurred.
Even more minor incidents occurred
And the big one.
A Heck of a lot more near misses(or near hits) occurred
Its a pyramid scheme.
Probability, of something serious is proportional to the number of near misses.
So.
If you have more near misses the chances your luck will run out is much greater.
So try and avoid the near misses. Your "luck" will be better.
Interesting age group statistics. Driving through Gloucester at 4pm today, it was scary how little gear the bikers I saw had on, and they all looked young. Yet they aren’t the highest risk group. I suppose the high proportion of older riders is due to speed, slower reactions, and more likely to be in larger groups. Plus there is a lot of talk about how the cost of motorcycling is making it an older persons activity so the numbers will be different
👋 I’m in 🇫🇷 from age 14 I started my training on a bike for 2yrs now 16 I pass my bike test so I can ride 🆙 2 a 125cc once I get to 16.5yrs I can move ⬆️ 2 a 200cc bike once I get to 17yrs I get my full license so any type of bike, so if uk do this then should not have accidents all every one in 🇫🇷must ride a motorbike be4 u get ur drive license for a car. Thank u for the information in 🇬🇧
What's the difference between you and the bloke who goes through a hedge?
Two arms, two legs, a human brain, sight and hearing. You probably differ in no significant physical way from the casualty; not even in the level of manual handling skills that you possess.
I would argue that the significant difference between you is in your Attitudes towards motorcycling.
Both you and our prospective casualty will approach the same set of circumstances on the road ... but you'll each make a very different decision, because that decision-making is heavily biased by your Attitudes; maybe particularly your respective Attitudes towards risk.
The problem is that such Attitudes are not easy to manipulate. 'Education' has a poor track-record of changing behaviour. No wonder that the State resorts to crude methods of control.
@rcfokker1630 thanks for your comment, absolutely right, attitude plays a big part in road safety and is the hardest thing to change. all the best